||| FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE |||
General Outlook
What happened to our miracle March and La Nina, you may ask? Well, the warm dry trend from January and February continued through March. There were only 3-4 significant periods where average temperatures were cold enough for snow accumulation. Otherwise, most days remained above freezing which caused the snowpack to mature and, in most cases, peak 1-3 weeks early. April started out wet with substantial mountain snow however initial indications are that the moisture content was not significant enough to add much to the overall snowpack except at the highest elevations. Snowmelt is well under way in most east side and lower elevation west side basins.
The most recent forecast through next week indicates below normal temperatures with above normal precipitation. Climate Prediction Center 3-month (Apr-May-Jun) forecast continues the previous track of below normal temperatures with equal chances of seasonal precipitation which is indicative of the forecasted Enso La Nina. The US Drought Monitor indicates the continuation of D0-D3 drought designation carried over from last year in eastern Washington. (See maps on page 4).
To read the full report, click here, to access reports dating back to 2010, click here. For further questions, please contact Scott via email at scott.pattee@usda.gov or phone at 360.488.4826.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
